E 



THE RELIGION AND PATRIOTISM OF '76. 




A DISCOURSE 



DELIVERED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, 



FOURTH OF JULY, 1»44 



BY JOHN C. 8 MIT 

PASTOR OF THE FOURTH PRKSBYTER1A 



The proceeds a donation to ilie Junior Missionary Society of the Cliti ch. 



WASHINGTON: 

J; *. G. S. GIDEON, PRINTERS. 

1844. 



THE RELIGION AND PATRIOTISM OF '76. 



A DISCOURSE 



DELIVERED IN THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, 



FOURTH OF JUL1, 1844 



BY JOHN C. SMITH, 

PASTOR OF THE FOURTH PRE3BYTERIAN CHURCH. 



The proceeds a donation to the Junior Missionary Society of the Church. 



WASHINGTON: 
J. k. G. S. GIDEON, PRINTERS. 

1844. 



.U)tg 



Washington, July 4th, 1844. 
Rev. John C. Smith, Pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Washington City. 

Dear Sir : After the delivery of your very excellent discourse, this evening, on the 
religion and patriotism of '76, the congregation held a meeting, at which the Hon. A. K. 
Parris presided ; and the undersigned were appointed a committee to solicit a copy for 
publication. They hope you will agree with them in the belief, that its publication and 
extensive circulation would result in great good, and that you will, without hesitation, 
comply with the request. 
We are, dear sir, very affectionately and truly, yours. 

M. NOURSE, 1 

JOHN Y. BRYANT, 
JOSIAH F. POLK, 
P. BRADLEY, 
J. McGINNIS, Jr., 



> Committee. 



Washington City, July 5, 1844. 

Gentlemen : Your note of yesterday was handed me last evening. I am truly grate- 
ful for the kind expressions of the congregation, and the manner in which you have con- 
veyed them to me. I consent to the publication. 

This I do the more readily, because I have often been solicited to publish my series of 
sermons on " The One True Church." This my time and strength will not for the present 
allow, though I am willing this discourse shall be received as " an earnest" thereof, if the 
publication hereafter should be deemed judicious, and my many and pressing engagements 
permit. But my friends must not feel disappointed if they have to take " the will for the 
deed." 

I make no apologies for the style of the discourse. Those who know me, know my 
pastoral labors prevent much outlay of strength on composition. I rejoice in the facts 
stated, sustained as they all are by authorities that will not I presume be questioned. 

If I know my own heart, my sole object is to glorify God, and to aid in the perpetuation 
of that liberty purchased by the treasure and blood of our patriot fathers. 

With the highest respect, I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 

m ., ., » T JOHN C. SMITH, 

To Messrs. M. Nourse, 

John Y. Bryant, 

Josiah F. Polk, I Committee. 

P. Bradley, 

J. McGinnis, Jr., 



DISCOURSE 



Genesis VI, 4th. "The same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." 

The men of 1776, their mighty acts and noble deeds, have furnished 
a theme, rich and inspiring - , for poets, orators, statesmen and divines, on 
this anniversary of our national independence, and will, until the Amer- 
ican heart ceases to beat, or gratitude inspire the human soul. And 
well may we speak, and write, and sing of men thus distinguished in 
the annals of the WORLD. Their times form an era in the history of 
nations and of human liberty which stands far out by itself, without a 
'precedent, and, it may be, will remain alone, as the sun in his own 
brightness. 

The providence of God in all the events of that period of trial 
is intensely interesting to the christian, who believes not only in a 
general, but in a special and particular superintendence. This view 
enhances the value of all that was accomplished, and having so much 
of God in it, I see the pledge that He who made, will still preserve, us 
a nation. Let poets sing their animating strains, let orators originate 
thoughts that breathe and utter words that burn, let statesmen take their 
views of our national relations, exhibit to us, a wise and safe policy, 
and then speak in burning eloquence of our high relative position and 
higher destiny, to none of which do I object; but be it ours to day, to 
ascertain, if we can, what were the principles in operation in that 
eventful period, what causes there were, that produced such great, 
such wonderful, such glorious results. 

That principles strong and powerful, dear as " life, fortune and sa- 
cred honor," were cherished, is most manifest in the sacrifices then 
made, in the perils met and passed, in the privations and wants 
cheerfully endured and overcome, and in the blood freely shed. 
Those principles led the colonies first to remonstrate, then to resist, and 
then to throw off all allegiance to Great Britain, to band together, and 
becoming these United States, to declare their independence ; these 
sustained them in all their trials, kept them in a more critical hour — 
when the conflict was ended — and have guided their posterity until the 
present hour. The strength and value of these principles were much 
more severely tried after the din of battle ceased, than while the strug- 
gle continued. The army, disbanded after a seven year's war, would 



bring in large companies of men who, in ordinary circumstances, would 
have formed habits peculiar to military life not the most favorable to 
peaceful pursuits and the every-day transactions of life. How often 
have men nobly fought to achieve a victory, and when success has at- 
tended their efforts, they have lost more than they gained by an abuse 
of the power thus secured. 

If we would understand this subject aright, if we would fully appre- 
ciate the course pursued, and form a correct estimate of the men of '76, 
we must view them, not in the excitement of battle, not when op- 
pressed and exasperated, such times always provide for themselves, 
but we must examine periods before, and particularly the times that 
immediately succeeded the acknowledgment of our independence by 
Great Britain. Let us not forget that our patriot fathers were men, com- 
passed about with infirmities, subject to like passions with ourselves. In 
every such view their spirit and course appear so much the more interest- 
ing and instructive ; nor should we forget their strong attachment to the 
mother country, and the form of government under which many of them 
had been educated. Love for their King, and to render him due honor, 
was a point of loyalty dear to them. These and other views must have 
their due weight with us if we would form a correct estimate of " the 
patriotism " that glowed in the breast of the men of revolutionary mem- 
ory. That they were " patriots " of the highest order, whose names 
deserve a place high up on the roll of fame, none, not even their ene- 
mies, can deny. Well and nobly did they redeem their pledge of " life, 
fortune, and sacred honor." We, their sons, and sons' sons, rejoice to- 
day in their fame and revel in our national independence, purchased 
by their treasure and their blood. My object, however, is not to eulogize 
the men, or recount their deeds; this has been often done, and well 
done. While I glance at their patriotism, my chief object will be 
to examine into those principles which led to such patriotism. 

The love of country is natural. The physical appearance of the land 
which gave a man birth lives long in his memory and affection. Even 
the dust thereof is dear. The mountains, the valleys, the rivers, the 
streams, the meadows, the forests, all, all live in memory ; and, wher- 
ever he goes, he bears with him these cherished reminiscences. He 
rejoices in her prosperity, and weeps over her follies and sorrows. Not 
unfrequently he maintains a conflict within his own breast; his heart 
goes out after his native land, but his mind is set against her political 
institutions. The operation of these contributed largely to his expatri- 



ation. He would not submit to the tyranny of authority, and deter- 
mined to leave the hearths and the altars of his fathers. Resolved to 
secure to himself the rights of a freeman, he makes his dwelling where 
these are understood and guarantied. In their maintenance he may be 
compelled to " resist even unto blood " the government of his native 
country. 

When our rights are duly understood and estimated, and there is any 
prospect of obtaining and securing them, a spirit of resistance is easily 
roused, and with great difficulty repressed and put down. Oppression 
on the one hand, and resistance on the other, must soon terminate in 
entire alienation and utter separation. Thus was it in the struggle of 
revolutionary times. The people of these colonies were strongly bound 
to their native country, the land of their fathers. They were loyal sub- 
jects of their King, and with all the love common to man for his coun- 
try, the conflict was great in the breast of every one, when the question 
of separation began to be agitated. The red battle, the showers of lead 
and iron that afterwards fell, were trifles to the decision of the question 
which necessity pressed upon the minds of the people — the question of 
separation. 

If we would catch the spirit of our forefathers in the declara- 
tion of independence, we must enter into the subject with some of the 
views and feelings to which I have just alluded. This exhibits their 
act in its own light and majesty and strength. This clothes it with 
beauty and power, and throws around the whole scene a halo of glory 
which can be discovered at no other point of observation. This proves 

it tO be AN ACT OF INDEPENDENCE ! 

The men of '76 were indeed mighty men — men of renown, men 
whom God in his providence raised up for that particular exigency. 
The like of whom have not been found on the theatre since, perhaps 
because, the same or a like exigency has never arisen. The spirit and 
intelligence of our forefathers cannot be very well over-rated. To render 
what is due to them, it is necessary to inquire who they were and what y 
and whence they came. On the north there were the Puritans with all 
their strength of religious principle, men of decision and energy, of in- 
dustry and patience — men however slow they were to avenge evil, or 
forbearing under aggravations, were not deficient in all that courage 
that made them formidable when their consciences decided, the path of 
duty. On the south were the Cavaliers, men from European court 
circles, full of chivahic spirit, men whose pride was to defend their per- 



8 

sonal honor, entertaining a very nice sense of right, and maintaining 
the punctilios of life. Generous, frank, open-hearted, terrible to their 
foes. " Sic semper tyrannis " is no idle motto of the south. 

Educated as these Colonies had been, composed of the men they 
were, when subjects affecting their common interests were agitated, 
they were found every man in his place, to examine, discuss, decide, 
and when at last the resort was to arms, they made their appeal, not 
only to the God of battles, but to the God of the Bible. 
They passed through the wants, privations, and horrors of a 
seven years' war, sustained by principles found only in the bible 
code, and which to them after the war, were ever " as the shadow of a 
great rock in a weary land." My heart swells with emotions too big 
for utterance, when I turn to such a theme as this ! The God of the 
Bible was the God of our fathers ! His Bible was their rule, and on 
the principles of this Bible they adjusted that Government under which 
we live and rejoice to-day ! Blessed be his holy name. " Bless the 
Lord, O my soul." 

In the further remarks which I shall submit on this occasion, it will 
be my purpose to show that the Patriotism of the men of '76 was the 
Patriotism that just principles inspire, and that these principles were 
obtained from the Bible, the revealed and written word of God, as we 
have it here in the volume now before us. As pure men as these have 
lived before and since in other countries; as true Patriots have pledged 
their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor, but they possessed 
not the volume of Inspiration. The Bible to them was not the infalli- 
ble rule of faith and practice ; in other words, the mind was not free 
from the shackles of superstition and priestcraft. 

I maintain then, this morning, that the Patriotism of the American 
colonies is that which the Bible alone can inspire. Look for illustra- 
tion at the long and bloody conflicts of South America. Are not these 
to be received as evidence of their love of country, and their determina- 
tion to secure and maintain their rights ? Have they not thrown off 
the yoke of oppression and bondage? Why then are they not free? 
Why have they not been able to maintain their independence ? Let 
others answer the question as they may, we answer it fearlessly, deli- 
berately, because the Bible is not in the hands of the people. The 
principle of individual rights and responsibility is not understood. 
They for a time become politically free and independent, but soon are 
made bondmen to those who have, as their leaders, gained their free- 



dom ! Political freedom never can be enjoyed where men are mo- 
rally slaves. Men can never be free unless the " truth make them free, 
and then shall they be free indeed ! " 

Spain sent out her expeditions by which the American hemisphere 
was discovered; but it was under the auspices of England that the 
continent itself was discovered ; for when on the 24th of June, 1497, the 
Cabots made their discovery, Columbus had not, at that day, touched 
the continent, but had discovered only the West India Islands. By 
the discovery under the Cabols a very large and important part of the 
coast of North America was secured to a country which within less than 
half a century was to begin to throw off the shackles of Rome, and to 
become in due time the most powerful of all Protestant kingdoms. 
This fact of the discovery is most important, and enables us to put the 
proper value upon claims which are set up by the Pope as the Vicege- 
rent of God. Moreover, it enables us to understand how this Continent 
was peopled by Protestants and not by Roman Catholics. Among 
other sweeping universal claims made in religion, it is well known that 
our Continent is claimed as belonging to the power of Rome, and ar- 
guments intended to be convincing are now advanced to prove that this 
is not a Protestant country. The historic fact of the discovery now ad- 
duced, will settle so much of the question, and we will proceed to ex- 
amine some things connected with the Colonies about the times of the 
Revolution. We cannot, however, part from the fact first stated, with- 
out expressing our gratitude to our covenant God for that providence by 
which the Spanish discoverer was a year or two before diverted from 
directing his course from Cuba to the very coast along which afterwards 
the Cabots sailed. Had he done so, how different now in some mo- 
mentous respects might have been the state of the world at this day. 

The first permanent colony planted by the English in America was 
Virginia, in 1607. Massachusetts was settled next in the order of time, 
and owed its rise to more than one original colon}''. The first planted 
within the province was that of New Plymouth, founded in 1620, and 
within twenty years from the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers at Ply- 
mouth, the foundation of all the New England States was laid. Mean- 
while, Maryland was colonized, the absolute proprietorship of the whole 
of which was bestowed upon Sir Charles Calvert, the first Lord Balti- 
more. This was the only colony founded by Roman Catholics. Sir 
Charles was a Roman Catholic, and we love to speak it to the praise 
2 



10 

of his memory that his colony was founded on principles of fullest 
toleration. He soon died, but his son Cecil, who succeeded to the titles 
and estates, sent out a colony, most of whom were Roman Catholics,, 
and many of them gentlemen. The Roman Catholics at first formed 
the decided majority, but in the end the Protestants became by far the 
most numerous body. The fiist colony in the State of New York was 
planted by the Dutch about the year 1614. In 1664, the English took 
possession of all the Dutch colonies in North America. New Jersey 
was likewise granted to the Duke of York, who in that year handed it 
over to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, both proprietors of Ca- 
rolina. Pennsylvania was founded by the distinguished philanthropist 
William Penn, who was, as is well known, a Quaker. Delaware at 
length became a separate province ; then come the two Carolinas, and 
the last of all the original thirteen provinces in the order of time, comes 
Georgia, which was settled as late as 1732. 

In these statements it will be seen, one hundred and twenty-five 
years elapsed between the founding of the first and last of these 
provinces. With the exception of New York and Delaware, which re- 
ceived their first European inhabitants from Holland and Sweden, they 
were all originally English. The Dutch and the Swedish were 
eventually included in English patents, and merged among them. 

Georgia had not been settled many years before difficulties of a very 
grave and serious character began to manifest themselves. The colo- 
nies were very weak in themselves, while the entire estimated popula- 
tion of the whole thirteen in 1775 was only 3,500,000. The difficul- 
ties necessarily attendant on the settlement of a country like this, are 
always enough in themselves; but while yet they needed the maternal 
love and fostering care of the mother country, serious apprehensions be- 
gan to be entertained that an appeal to arms as the final resort must be 
made. But I must not anticipate. 

We have given a hasty sketch of the settlement of the thirteen origi- 
nal provinces. With the exception of the Hollanders and Swedes, the 
people were all English, who settled along the seaboard, and com- 
menced our commercial cities. In Scotland and Ireland events were 
taking place which soon caused many of their inhabitants to leave their 
native country, and who finally found their way to this, and contributed 
to populate the interior of our country, though this was done to a 
small extent even in 17S3, after the close of the war. 

The patriotism of 1776 is a perfect mystery to those who have not 



11 

the means of informing themselves as to the real character of the actor* 
of those troublous times, and this is often overlooked by us who ought to 
be most familiar with this and every other fact. There was more than 
spear and sword required in those times which tried men's souls, and 
had not the men been made of " the stuff," our independence could 
not have been achieved. They were men, "every inch " men. They 
understood their rights, and not only dared maintain them, but did, and 
successfully too, with the odds most fearfully against them. Their 
patriotism was the patriotism which pure Bible religion inspires. And 
this brings us at once to the question — what was the Religion of 
those times? I answer without hesitation, Protestant! the religion of 
the Bible, as derived from the scriptures of the Old and New Testa- 
ments, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. They were a Bible 
loving and God serving people, and with the ordinary allowance for 
the infirmities and proneness of our nature, they were a religious peo- 
ple, as religion is defined in the book of God. 

The Reformation under Luther had brought up questions of con- 
science and the rights of men, which subjects had been extensively dis- 
cussed, and which had made not only the Pope tremble, but all the 
powers in Europe had felt their influence. These questions once out, 
men made alive to their own rights are not apt to be indifferent. The 
questions involved were examined; a spirit of inquiry was abroad, and 
the effect in time in England was that the Protestants became divided 
among themselves into two parties. In the divisions of those times we 
have sometimes the painful spectacle presented that these parties were 
ultimately engaged in proscribing, and even persecuting each other. 
Indeed power is always a dangerous trust, and especially when our 
fights are not accurately defined. Any union between the Church and 
the State increases the danger, for the dominant party may bring to bear 
that dreadful engine, and send destruction and death among the mi- 
nority. 

Religion is not justly chargeable with acts of violence commit- 
ted under her fair name; religious men are only partially sanctified, 
and the remaining corruptions of sin often manifest themselves to the 
injury of the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ. These irregularities and 
outbreaks are every where to be deplored and deprecated. " To err is 
human." And in the times to which we refer many things were done 
attributable mainly to those days and the circumstances under which 
they were done. One advantage, however, and that by no mean* 



12 

small, accrued ; men were led to examine the rights of conscience and 
other individual rights pertaining to them as men, as religious men. 
To secure these rights unmolested, untrammelled, induced many im- ' 
migrations to this Continent, which in all probability would not other- 
wise have been made. The state of things in the mother land pre- 
pared the colonists here to see clearly the bearings of certain move- 
ments. They had forsaken the altars of their fathers and their country, 
that on this new theatre they might live and act for themselves, free 
from all restraint, except that which "the law of liberty" imposes. 
Hence, when important questions arose between England and the colo- 
nies, they did not come to them as mere children. They looked at 
them as men — decided, acted on them as men. From the word of 
God they knew their rights, the truth had made them free, and they 
could not be restrained in the large expression of their opinions. 

To attempt to bring under authority, without law, and above law and 
equity, such men, is wholly a different business from an attempt to 
quell an insurrection of slaves, or to subjugate men ignorant of their 
rights and cowardly in their spirit. Men with the Bible in their hands 
are always brave. They engage in no war which they do not conceive 
just. They deprecate strife and contention. They avoid, as far as in 
them lies, an appeal to arms; but when once they draw the sword, it 
is only sheathed when their rights are secured, or their arm stricken off by 
the wrath of the proud oppressor. When such men go to the field, 
they come back "with their shield, or on their shield." I say, then, 
that the principles of 1776 supplied the lack of spears and swords, 
of provisions or munitions of war. The spirit was as the spirit of liber- 
ty always is, indomptable! "Liberty or death" was their motto. 
They chose a glorious death to an inglorious life of mere nominal 
liberty. 

Suppose for a moment that this country had been settled by adherents 
of the Pope, would the Revolution ever have taken place ? Would the 
Constitution of these United States have been as it now is ? Would 
this have been the land of Bibles and free institutions? We refer to 
countries in which the power of Rome has always predominated ; let 
them furnish the reply. Look at Spain, Portugal, South America. I 
ask you once more to look at the revolutions of those countries, and 
what has been the result? Nor is this all. Had the influence of 
Rome been greater in the days of the Revolution than what it was, (for 
it was almost nothing,) the liberty of the country could not have been 



13 

effected, for I maintain, that they were - achieved under God, because 
the people were under the influence of Bible truth. They were re- 
ligiously free, and they could therefore never become politically en- 
slaved. Their " patriotism " was the fruit of their Bible religion. 

Educated as the colonists had been, retaining the strong affection 
they did for the mother country, we would take it for granted that the 
union of Church and State would be favorably regarded by them — and 
so it was. The effect of this union had not been fairly seen in this 
country, and the difficulties growing out of it not understood till the dis- 
cussions of the day in which this very question came up. Measures 
were soon adopted to dissolve this Union. Virginia led the way, and 
others were soon following her footsteps ; and thus my brethren was an- 
other link broken by which the people are held in bondage. Men 
were free to act on all questions for themselves without referring them 
to a corrupt priesthood, who invariably act so as to keep the power in 
their own hands, and hold the people in bondage to them. What 
would have been the fate of the country had the doctrines of the Pope 

been the law of the land. Here we have it. Extract from the Ency- 
clical letter of Pope Gregoiy XVI, 16th August, A. D. 1832: 

" Nor can we augur more consoling consequences to religion and to Government, from 
the zeal of some to separate the church from the state, and to burst the bond which 
unites the priesthood to the Empire. For it is clear that this union is dreaded by the pro- 
fane lovers of liberty, only because it has never failed to confer prosperity on both." 

The union of Church and State in Virginia was dissolved, mainly 
through the exertions of the Presbyterians, Baptists and Quakers, and 
the scheme of having a general assessment for the support of all Pro- 
testant denominations defeated. The Hanover Presbytery took a most 
active part. Their churches held a convention at which a memorial 
was drawn up, and the Rev. Dr. John B. Smith was appointed to pre- 
sent it to the Legislature, and for three successive days was he heard at 
the bar of the Assembly. Presbyterians have lost nothing of this spirit. 
They are always the friends of civil and religious Liberty, and stand 
foremost when the storm of approaching battle lowers. There is no 
denomination more dreaded by the enemies of America, than Presby- 
terians. There is no class of men who will more jealously or zealously 
guard the tree of liberty, which God has planted in these United States. 
Presbyterians are not infallible ; like other men they have infirmities, 
and are not without their faults ; but they occupy no doubtful position 
with reference to the question of American liberty. When the war of 



14 

the Revolution came, they wefe almost to a man in favor of it. No 
sooner was the war declared, than the Synod of New York and Phila- 
delphia, the highest ecclesiastical body among the Presbyterians in 
America at the time, addressed to the churches a very judicious and 
patriotic letter, which letter is preserved in the American Archives, and 
may be found in the Fourth Series, Vol. II, 1775, page 1692, &c. from 
this pastoral letter, dated May 12, 1775, we make only a single extract: 

" But things are now come to such a state, that we do not wish to conceal our opinions as 
men and citizens ; so the relation we stand in to you seemed to make the present improve- 
ment of it to your spiritual benefit, our indispensable duty. Suffer us, then, to lay hold of 
your present temper of mind, and to exhort especially the young and vigorous, by assuring 
them that there is no soldier so undaunted as the pious man ; no army so formidable as 
those who are superior to the fear of death. There is nothing more awful to think of, than 
that those whose trade is war, should be despisers of the name of the Lord of Hosts, and 
that they should expose themselves to the imminent danger of being immediately sent from 
cursing and cruelty on earth, to the blaspheming rage, and despairing horror of the infernal 
pit. Let, therefore, every one who, from generosity of spirit, or benevolence of heart, of- 
fers himself as a champion in his country's cause, be persuaded to reverence the name, and 
walk in the fear, of the Prince of the Kings of the earth ; and then he may, with the most 
unshaken firmness, expect the issue either in victory or death." 

When the struggle commenced few persons supposed that a'n entire 
separation from the mother country would take place. But when in 
the following year Congress issued its Declaration of Independence, the 
Presbytery of Hanover, in Virginia, was the first body of ministers 
of any denomination that openly recognised that act. This they did 
in a memorial to the Assembly, now among the archives of that noble 
State. In the formation of the religious charter of the country, in that 
day of trial, and for years subsequently, the Presbyterians from Scot- 
land and Ireland must be admitted to a large share. The Puritans from 
England must be allowed, yes, placed first. Next to them stand our 
Presbyterian brethren. The Congregationalists of New England are 
the descendants of these Puritans. These Congregationalists and our 
Presbyterians are, in doctrine, one. To exhibit, however, the denomi- 
national strength of the times, we copy a table, prepared with great care 
and accuracy, by Rev. Robert Baird, D.D., for which, and other facts in 
this discourse, I am greatly indebted to this beloved brother.* This table 
shows the number of 

Episcopalians - 

Baptists - 

Congregationalists - - - - 

* See his work " Religion in America." 



Ministers. 


Churches 


250 


300 


350 


380 


575 


700 



15 



Presbyterians 
Lutherans 
German Reformed 
Reformed Dutch 
Associate 
Moravians 
Roman Catholics 



Ministers. 


Churches. 


140 


300 


25 


60 


25 


60 


25 


60 


13 


20 


12 


8 


26 


52 



1,441 1,940 



The above table may be relied on. It shows the numerical strength 
of the different denominations, and proves, beyond all question, that 
the people of the country were not Roman Catholics, but Protestants ; 
and that the Bible was held as the only infallible rule of 
faith and practice. It is very remarkable that this proportion is pre- 
cisely that seen among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
Of the 56 names appended to the instrument, there is but one, so 
far as my knowledge extends, that belonged to the Roman Church, and 
that venerable man survived all the rest. He went down to his grave 
full of years, laden with honors, and the gratitude of a free and happy 
people. Even now his name is as ointment poured forth. 

In this connexion I will repeat what I have often said in the series 
of sermons which for three months I have been delivering from this pul- 
pit on " The One True Church." It affords me pleasure to acknow- 
ledge that, in the Roman Catholic church in these United States, there 
are men of pure minds and honest intentions. Men who are incapable 
of doing aught intentionally against our common liberties ; men who, in 
support of them, would cheerfully, as others, sacrifice their fortunes and 
their lives; men who love our free institutions in despite of the religion 
which they profess, and who are too intelligent and too honest to be 
deceived by the cunning craftiness of men. My past discourses, and 
the present, so far as they refer to the Church of Rome, are not directed 
against individuals, but against a Foreign establishment claiming both 
spiritual and temporal power, whose head and standing army are at 
Rome ; against a system wholly opposed to American views of govern- 
ment, the right of private judgment, freedom of conscience, and the 
liberty of the press. For proof of which I refer to the Pope's letter, an 
extract of which is found in another part of this discourse. I believe 
that the system of Popery, as such, is spreading itself over this country, 



16 

and being the same, always the same, that the constrictions thereof, 
if not arrested, will crush our liberties. With this conviction, I cannot, 
dare not, as an American, and as a minister of the Bible church, be 
silent, but in death. My country, my church — 

" For her my tears shall fall, 
For her my prayers ascend, 
To her my cares and toils be given, 
Till toils and cares shall end." 

In the figures submitted, we have the question of religion in these 
United States, during the Revolutionary period, fully settled. 

The American Congress is now formed, and we will inquire into 
some of their acts, to ascertain, if we can, something more on this sub- 
ject of religion, now so much agitated among our people. We must 
necessarily pass over much of interest on this question, although found 
found in the Journals of Congress. We name a few : 

"MONDAY, June 12, 1775. 
" The Committee appointed to prepare a resolution for a Fast, brought in a report, which, 
being read, was agreed to as follows." 

We omit this, and insert the order of General Washington, issued 
in reference to it, and found in the volume of the American archives, 
before referred to, page 1,708: 

"Head Quarters, Cambridge, July 16, 1775. 

(Countersign : Springfield.) 
("Parole, Carolina.) 

"The Continental Congress having earnestly recommended that " Thursday next, the 
20th instant, be observed by the inhabitants of all the English colonies upon this Conti- 
nent as a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer, that they may, with united hearts 
and voice, unfeignedly confess their sins before God, and supplicate the all-wise and merci- 
ful Disposer of Events, to avert the desolation and calamities of an unnatural war," the 
General orders that day to be religiously observed by the forces under his command, exactly 
in manner directed by the proclamation of the Continental Congress. It is, therefore, 
strictly enjoined on all officers and soldiers (not upon duty) to attend divine service, at the 
accustomed places of worship, as well in the lines as the encampments and quarters; and 
it is expected that all those who go to worship, do take their arms, ammunition, and accou- 
trements, and are prepared for immediate action, if called upon. If, in the judgment of the 
officers, the works should appear to be in such forwardness as the utmost security of the 
camp requires, they will command their men to abstain from all labor upon that solemn 
day." 

How refreshing to our American spirits is the reading of this order. 
It brings before us the Illustrious Chief as he was in life — a noble, 
magnanimous, brave, God-fearing, Bible-loving man. A man who, in 
all his course, acknowledged that the God of Heaven was his refuge and 



IT 

strength. Among the most pleasant objects at Mount Vernon, on which 
my eyes fell, is the General's family Bible, with his name in his own 
handwriting. I would love to add testimony to testimony from this same 
source, and from the history of the times, but it would increase this dis- 
course beyond the limits which I have prescribed. A few acts of the 
American Congress are all that I shall produce to sustain the position 
that I have taken, that the religion of the Revolutionary period was 
the religion of this Holy Bible, drawn immediately from this 
only infallible rule of faith and practice. The first is found in the 
Journal of Congress : 

SATURDAY, March 16, 1776. 

" Mr. W. Livingston, pursuant to leave granted, brought in a resolution for appointing 
a fast, which, being taken into consideration, was agreed to as follows : 

" In times of impending calamity and distress, when the liberties of America are im- 
minently endangered by the secret machinations and open assaults of an insidious and 
vindictive administration, it becomes the indispensable duty of these hitherto free and 
happy colonies, with true penitence of heart, and the most reverent devotion, publicly to 
acknowledge the over-ruling providence of God; to confess and deplore our offences 
against him; and to supplicate his interposition for averting the threatened danger, and 
prospering our strenuous efforts in the cause of freedom, virtue, and posterity. 

"The Congress, therefore, considering the war-like preparations of the British ministry 
to subvert our invaluable rights and privileges, and to reduce us by fire and sword, by the 
savages of the wilderness, and our own domestics, to the most abject and ignominious 
bondage : Desirous, at the same time, to have people of all ranks and degrees duly im- 
pressed with a solemn sense of God's superintending providence, and of their duty, de- 
voutly to rely, in all their lawful enterprizes, on his aid and direction, do earnestly recom. 
mend that Friday, the 17th day of May next, be observed by the said colonies as a day 
of humiliation, fasting, and prayer ; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail 
our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, 
appease his righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, 
obtain his pardon and forgiveness ; humbly imploring his assistance to frustrate the cruel 
purposes of our unnatural enemies ; and, by inclining their hearts to justice and benevo 
lence, prevent the further effusion of kindred blood. But if, continuing deaf to the voice 
of reason and humanity, and inflexibly bent on desolation and war, they constrain us to 
repel their hostile invasions by open resistance, that it may please the Lord of Hosts, the 
God of Armies, to animate our officers and soldiers with invincible fortitude, to guard 
and protect them in the day of battle, and to crown the continental arms, by sea and 
land, with victory and success: Earnestly beseeching him to bless our civil rulers, and 
the representatives of the people, in their several assemblies and conventions ; to pre- 
serve and strengthen their union; to inspire them with an ardent, disinterested love of 
their country ; to give wisdom and stability to their councils ; and direct them to the most 
efficacious measures for establishing the rights of America on the most honorable and 
permanent basis— that he would be graciously pleased to bless all his people in these col- 
onies with health and plenty, and grant that a spirit of incorruptible patriotism, and of 
pure undefiled religion, may universally prevail ; and this continent be speedily restored 

3 



18 

to the blessings of peace and liberty, and enabled to transmit them inviolate to the latest 
posterity. And it is recommended to Christians of all denominations, to assemble for 
public worship, and abstain from servile labor on said day." 

The second, in the aforesaid journal, is 

MONDAY, December 9, 1776. 

" Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare an address to the inhabi- 
tants of America, and a recommendation to the several States to appoint a day of fasting, 
humiliation, and prayer." 

'« The members chosen, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. Adams." 

WEDNESDAY, December 11, 1776. 

" The committee appointed to prepare a resolution for appointing a day of fasting and 
humiliation, brought in a report, which was read and agreed to, as follows : 

" Whereas, the war in which the United States are engaged with Great Britain, has not 
only been prolonged, but is likely to be carried to the greatest extremity ; and whereas, 
it becomes all public bodies, as well as private persons, to reverence the Providence of 
God, and look up to him as the supreme disposer of all events, and the arbiter of the fate 
of nations ; therefore, 

" Resolved, That it be recommended to all the United States, as soon as possible, to ap- 
point a day of solemn fasting and humiliation ; to implore of Almighty God the forgive- 
ness of the many sins prevailing among all ranks, and to beg the countenance and assist- 
ance of his Providence in the prosecution of the present just and necessary war. 

" The Congress do also, in the most earnest manner, recommend to all the members of 
the United States, and particularly the officers civil and military under them, the exer- 
cise of repentance and reformation ; and further, require of them the strict observation of 
the articles of war, and particularly, that part of the said articles, which forbids profane 
swearing, and all immorality, of which all such officers are desired to take notice. 

" It is left to each state to issue out proclamations fixing the day that appears most pro- 
per within its bounds. 

" Ordered, That the above be published by the committee who brought in the report." 

What a noble Congress, my brethren, was this! How scriptural this 
doctrine of " sincere repentance," and " through the merits and media- 
tion of Jesus Christ to obtain his pardon and forgiveness !" How much 
like Bible Christians did they write and speak, feel and act. What a 
spirit of dependance on God is breathed throughout these and all other 
similar acts of Congress. How this spirit rebukes that which is rife 
throughout the land now, and seen often, (and always most painfully,) 
even in Congress hall. How degenerate, alas ! have we become. May 
we on this anniversary return to the spirit of '76 ! May the members 
of Congress remember that through them we may lose that for which 
our forefathers shed their blood ; and that every attempt, or the tolera- 
tion of an attempt, to break down the influences of bible truth and 
bible religion, is to open the flood-gates of infidelity and every species 
of error, and thus prepare us to fall an easy prey to the Spoiler. In 



19 



political meetings, and in the debates of Congress, the irreverent use of 
Bible language cannot be too much, deprecated, and every good man 
ought forever to eschew the practice. God must be honored every- 
where, and his truth revered. Let us then set our face against the im- 
proper use of the words of the Holy Ghost, and remember that they 
who thoughtlessly employ bible language may provoke the Divine 
author to withdraw from us the right arm of his power. I would here 
very kindly warn all those to whom these words may come, against that 
which is unnecessary — that which is evil, only evil, and evil continually. 
One other act of Congress I take pleasure in citing. You may find 
it in the journal of Congress. 

THURSDAY, September 11, 1777. 

" The committee to whom the memorial of Dr. Allison and others was referred, report, 
'That they have conferred fully with the printers, &c, in this city, and are of opinion, 
that the proper types for printing the Bible are not to be had in this country, and that the 
.paper cannot be procured, but with such difficulties, and subject to such casualties, as ren- 
der any dependance on it altogether improper ; that to import types for the purpose of set- 
ting up an entire edition of the bible, and to strike off 30,000 copies, with paper, binding, 
&c, will cost £10,272 10, which must be advanced by Congress, to be reimbursed by the 
sale of the books ; that, in the opinion of the committee, considerable difficulties will at- 
tend the procuring the types and paper ; that, afterwards, the risk of importing them will 
considerably enhance the cost, and that the calculations are subject to such uncertainty in 
the present state of affairs, that Congress cannot much rely on them ; that the use of the 
Bible is so universal, and its importance so great, that your committee refer the above to 
the consideration of Congress, and if Congress shall not think it expedient to order the 
importation of types and paper, the committee recommend that Congress will order the 
committee of commerce to import 20,000 Bibles from Holland, Scotland, or elsewhere, into 
the different ports of the States of the Union :" 

Whereupon, it was moved, That the Committee of Commerce be directed to import 
20,000 copies of the Bible. 



New-Hampshire, Mr. Folsom, 
Frost, 

Massa setts Bay, Mr. S. Adams, 
J. Adams, 



ay 



Gerry, 

Lovell, ay J 

Mr. Marchant, ay )>ay 

Mr. Dyer, ay'j 

Law, ay \ ay 

Williams, a l/J 

Mr. Duane, no )- 
Mr. Witherspoon, ay ? 

Clark, ay 5 a V 

So it was resolved in the affirmative 



Rhode Island, 
Connecticut, 



Neiv York, 
New Jersey, 



Pennsylvania, 



Delaware, 
Maryland, 
Virginia, 



Mr. Wilson, 

Roberdeau, 
Mr. Reed, 
Mr. Chase, 
Mr. Harrison, 
F. L. Lee, 
Jones, 
North Carolina, Mr. Harnett, 
South Carolina, Mr. Middleton, 
Heyward, 
Laurens, 
Georgia, Mr. Brownson, 




We stand here this day, my countrymen, to bless our covenant God 
for this act of the American Congress. My heart is full of gratitude 



. 20 

and praise, and I could detain you for hours in giving vent to my feel- 
ings. But I see in your countenances, that nothing need be added to 
heighten your interest. Let us in silence read, and in profound grati- 
tude praise God for such a noble testimony to the word of truth. 

The Bible ! The American Congress declares "that the use of the 
bible is so universal, and its importance so great." " The committee 
recommend that Congress will order the Committee on Commerce to 
import 20,000 bibles from Holland, Scotland, or elsewhere, into the* 
different ports of the States of the Union." The term " Bible " in those 
days had but one meaning. When that was employed this translation 
was in the mind — a translation made immediately from the Hebrew 
and Greek languages. The translation now in use was commenced by 
order of James, King of England, in the spring of 1607, and the com- 
pletion of it occupied almost three years. This translation was the 
united work of from forty to fifty of the most pious and learned men 
that England and her king could select and employ. All of them were 
pre-eminently distinguished for their piety and profound learning in the 
original languages of the sacred scriptures. They were divided into six 
classes, and to these six companies of venerable translators, assembled, 
or about to assemble, at Westminster, Cambridge, and Oxford, the king 
gave the following instructions, found in " Home's introduction," vol. 
2, p. 247, &c. 

" ' 1. The ordinary Bible read in the church, commonly called the Bishops' Bible, to 
be followed, and as little altered as the original will permit. 

♦' ' 2. The names of the prophets and the holy writers, with the other names in the 
text, to be retained as near as may be, accordingly as they are vulgarly used. 

" « 3. The old ecclesiastical words to be kept, as the word church not to be translated 
congregation. 

*' ' 4. When any word hath divers significations, that to be kept, which hath been most 
commonly used by the most eminent fathers, being agreeable to the propriety of the 
place and the analogy of faith. 

" ' 5. The division of the chapters to be altered either not at all, or as little as may be, 
if necessity so require. 

" * 6. No marginal notes at all to be affixed, but onlyrfbr the explanation of the Hebrew 
or Greek words which cannot, without some circumlocution, so briefly and fitly be ex- 
pressed in the text. 

" « 7. Such quotations of places to be marginally set down, as shall serve for the fit 
references of one scripture to another. 

*« ' 8. Every particular man of each company to take the same chapter or chapters ; and 
having translated or amended them severally by himself, where he thinks good, all to- 
meet together, to confer what they have done, and agree for their part what shall stand. 

'« « 9. As any one company hath dispatched any one book in this manner, they shall 
send it to the rest, to be considered of, seriously and judiciously : for his majesty is very 
careful in this point 



21 

" « 10. If any company, upon the review of the book so sent, shall doubt or differ upon 
any places, to send them word thereof, to note the places, and therewithal to send their 
reasons ; to which if they consent not, the difference to be compounded at the general 
meeting, which is to be of the chief persons of each company, at the end of the work. 

" * 11. When any place of special obscurity is doubted of, letters to be directed by au- 
thority to send to any learned in the land for his judgment in such a place. 

" ' 12. Letters to be sent from every bishop to the rest of his clergy, admonishing them 
of this translation in hand, and to move and charge as many as, being skilful in the 
tongues, have taken pains in that kind, to send their particular observations to the com- 
pany, either at Westminster, Cambridge, or Oxford, according as it was directed before in 
the king's letter to the Archbishop. 

" ' 13. The directors in each company to be the Deans of Westminster and Chester for 
Westminster, and the King's Professors in Hebrew and Greek in the two Universities. 

" ' 14. These translations to be used, when they agree better with the text than the 
Bishops 'Bible, viz. Tyndal's, Coverdale's, Matthewe's, Whitchurch's, Geneva. 

" [' 15. Besides the said directors before mentioned, three or four of the most antient 
and grave divines in either of the universities, not employed in translating, to be assigned 
by the Vice-Chancellor, upon "conference with the rest of the heads, to be overseers of 
the translation, as well Hebrew as Greek, for the better observation of the 4th rule above 
specified.'*] 

" According to these regulations, each book passed the scrutiny of all the translators 
successively. In the first instance, each individual translated every book, which was al- 
lotted to his division. Secondly, the readings to be adopted were agreed upon by the 
whole of that company assembled together, at which meeting each translator must have 
been solely occupied by his own version. The book, thus finished, was sent to each of 
the other companies to be again examined ; and at these meetings it probably was, as 
Selden informs us, that " one read the translation, the rest holding in their hands some 
Bible, either of the learned tongues, or French Spanish, Italian, &c. If they found any 
fault, they spoke ; if not, he read on.'f Further, the translators were empowered to call 
to their assistance any learned men, whose studies enabled them to be serviceable, when 
an urgent case of difficulty presented itself. " 

The translation furnished under the above authority, and by the 
royal direction, has now been in use for 234 years, and, notwithstanding 
the sensitiveness and jealousy among our Protestant brethren, as re- 
gards their peculiar denominational views, " they are all united in 
their profound veneration for the impartiality and faithfulness of the old 
English version of the scriptures. They would regard with concern 
any attempt to improve it, and no such attempt would ever secure in 
its result their united confidence. We have here, then, all that evi- 
dence of fidelity which learning and sectarian jealousy, (and that is 
neither small nor trifling,) combined can impart. Such a verdict of ac_ 
quittal no other book ever had, and no one but this ever merited." 

* The preceding rules are given from a corrected copy in the Rev. H. J.Todd's Vindication of oiw 
authorized translation and translators of the Bible, pp. 9—12. London, 1819, 8vo» 
f Selden's Table Talk, article Bible.— Works, vol. iii, col. 2009. 



22 

Have we any means by which we can identify the Bible, an impor- 
tation of 20,000 of which was authorized by Congress? I answer, in 
that day, and in this country, that term was applied to but one book, 
and that the word of God now in this pulpit. The continued and 
strenuous efforts to unsettle the minds of Americans on this most vital 
point are of comparatively recent date. The identity is seen in the act 
of Congress itself. On whose memorial did Congress act? On the 
memorial of Dr. Allison ; and who was Dr. Allison ? I answer — a thor- 
ough scholar, a learned divine, an eminent minister of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Philadel- 
phia. After a life of great laboriousness, usefulness, and popularity, he 
died Nov. 28, 1777, about two months after this Bible act was passed by 
the American Congress. The identity ! The bibles were to be imported 
from Holland or Scotland. The first of these countries gave our pilgrim 
fathers a temporary home while on their way to these shores to teach 
Bible truth, and plant the religion of the Son of God. " Scotland!" 
the very name is synonymous with bible light and knowledge. Here 
my brethren, we cannot mistake, and no sophistry or cunning can ever 
make us believe that the religion of '76 was not the simple, the glo- 
rious, the heaven-born religion of this word of God. Do you ask me 
still, what was the religion of our forefathers in this country? Go to 
the rotundo of the Capitol and gaze, as well you may, with admira- 
tion and delight, upon Weir's picture of the embarcation of the Pil- 
grims, and Chapman's, of the baptism of Pocahontas. There you find 
the answer in all the living power of the facts, with all the witchery 
of the canvass and the most exquisite skill of the artists! 

I have thus endeavored, briefly as I could, to show what was the 
religion of the Revolutionary period. The facts adduced are but a 
small portion from the mass that presents itself. In the religion of the 
day we have the true secret of American patriotism ; in the perpetua- 
tion of that same holy religion lies our only hope under God. If the 
Religion of the land ever be changed, into its likeness will our free insti- 
tutions be also changed. As is the religion of the people, so will be 
their political condition. We are indebted first to God, and then to the 
English Puritans, the Scotch and Irish Presbyterians, and to the exiled 
Huguenots, or French Reformed, as having done most to form the 
religious character of these United States. The emigration of these 
Huguenots to America is an exceedingly interesting event in the history 
of our country. We only name the fact now to urge you to make 



23 

yourselves acquainted with their history. Their descendants are found 
throughout our country, and among them are some of our most distin- 
guished, honored, and beloved citizens, particularly in the South, 
where many of them settled. We give but one fact in illustration 
of their simple and devoted piety, furnished by Rev. Dr. Miller, pro- 
fessor of Ecclesiastical History in the Theological Seminary, Prince- 
ton, N. J. " When the Huguenots first settled in the neighborhood of 
New Rochelle, their only place of worship was in the city of New 
York. They had taken lands on terms that required the utmost exer- 
tions of men, women, and children among them to render them tillable. 
They were, therefore, in the habit of working hard till Saturday night, 
spending the night in trudging down on foot to the city, attending wor- 
ship twice the next day, and walking home the same night, to be ready 
for work in the morning. Amid all these hardships, they wrote to 
France to tell what great privileges they enjoyed." 

Thus France contributed, through the Huguenots, to form the reli- 
gious character of this country, as France had toiled with our forefathers 
in the field of battle. Washington and La Fayette !! ! They knew 
well the price paid for American liberty, and had therefore a just esti- 
mate of it. Did La Fayette fear for the liberties of America? but from 
one source, and that the religion of Rome, and the priests that minis- 
ter at her altars. Here are his words as quoted : " If ever the liberty of 
this Republic is destroyed, it will be by Roman priests." This senti- 
ment of La Fayette cannot be remembered with too much care ; and 
Americans must watch and pray, guard and preserve those liberties 
which this noble, magnanimous and disinterested Frenchman fought 
and bled to secure. Are these liberties assailed ? Perhaps not directly, 
but the bible, the bible, the Magna Charta of human liberty 13 
attacked. " If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous 
do." Psalms 11,3. 

The men of '76 were competent to meet the exigencies of their 
times. Not only brave in the field, but wise as statesmen in their coun- 
cils. Look at their State constitutions, and above all at " the Consti- 
tution of the United States." They were not alone. The motto seen 
en the sail of the " Speedwell," in which the pilgrims embarked, was 
theirs. Read it on the picture, " God with us." Yes ! u the pillar of 
cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night," was over the American 
camp, or behind or before as Divine wisdom directed. The good hand 
of our God was upon them for good, and to-day we set our Ebenezer 



24 

up and write: " Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Our banner we 
fling to the breeze " God with us." 

An eloquent author writes : " Every great European event affected 
the fortunes of America. Did a State prosper, it sought an increase of 
wealth by plantations in the West. Was a sect persecuted, it escaped 
to the new world. The Reformation, followed by collisions between 
English dissenters and the Anglican hierarchy, colonized New England. 
The Reformation, emancipating the United Provinces, led to Euro- 
pean settlements on the Hudson. The Netherlands divide with Eng- 
land the glory of having planted the first colonies in the United States ; 
they also divide the glory of having set the example of public freedom. 
If England gave our fathers the idea of a proper representation, Hol- 
land originated for them the principle of federal union." 

My heart's desire and prayer to God is, that our liberty may continue 
to the latest posterity ; and, to secure this, may our religion be what it 
was in '76 — the religion of the Bible ; and as generations come on and 
pass away, may they possess that religion which is pure and undefiled 
before God and the Father, and which, being pure, " is peaceable, gen- 
tle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without par- 
tiality and without hyprocisy." 

Amen and Amen. 



011802 107 1 A I 



^^ 



